Very small embryonic-like cells (VSELs) are a population of stem cells residing in the bone marrow (BM) and several organs, which undergo mobilization into peripheral blood (PB) following acute myocardial infarction and stroke. These... more
Very small embryonic-like cells (VSELs) are a population of stem cells residing in the bone marrow (BM) and several organs, which undergo mobilization into peripheral blood (PB) following acute myocardial infarction and stroke. These cells express markers of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), such as Oct-4, Nanog, and SSEA-1, as well as early cardiac, endothelial, and neural tissue developmental markers. VSELs can be effectively isolated from the BM, umbilical cord blood, and PB. Peripheral blood and BM-derived VSELs can be expanded in co-culture with C2C12 myoblast feeder layer and undergo differentiation into cells from all three germ layers, including cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Isolation of VSLEs using fluorescence-activated cell sorting multiparameter live cell sorting system is dependent on gating strategy based on their small size and expression of PSC and absence of hematopoietic lineage markers. VSELs express early cardiac and endothelial lineages markers (GA...
Research Interests: Regeneration, Flow Cytometry, Treatment Outcome, Stem Cell, Cardiovascular disease, and 16 moreCell separation, Stem Cell Transplantation, Cell Differentiation, Humans, von Willebrand factor, Animals, Bone marrow, Acute Myocardial Infarction, Embryonic Stem Cells, Ischemic Stroke, Umbilical Cord Blood, Myocardium, Cardiovascular Diseases, Biological markers, Cell Sorting, and Cell Size
Research Interests: Treatment Outcome, Humans, Left Ventricular Assist Device, Cohort Study, Bone marrow, and 19 moreMesenchymal Stem Cell, Acute Myocardial Infarction, Randomized Trial, Meta Analysis, Systematic review, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Myocardial Infarction, Randomized Controlled Trial, Random-Effects Models, Clinical Study, Ischemic Heart Disease, Indexation, Infarct Size, Left Ventricular Function, Standard of Care, Confidence Interval, Bone Marrow Cells, Science Citation Index (SCI), and Cumulant
The protocols presented here describe the procedures employed to identify and isolate very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) using flow cytometric technologies including fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We describe the... more
The protocols presented here describe the procedures employed to identify and isolate very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) using flow cytometric technologies including fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We describe the recommended steps in detail for their successful identification and isolation from adult tissues. These protocols were initially established to isolate such cells from murine bone marrow (BM) and human cord blood (CB) and may also be employed to isolate these primitive cells from other adult organs and embryonic tissues. Here, we focus on some critical parameters/key points required for the successful identification and purification of these rare cells by employing classical flow cytometry. In the last part of this unit, we also discuss a novel flow cytometric tool, ImageStream, an imaging flow cytometer, which allows better identification and morphological analysis of sorted cells.
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Complement cascade (CC) and innate immunity emerge as important and underappreciated modulators of trafficking of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC). Accordingly, we reported that (i) C becomes activated in bone marrow (BM) during... more
Complement cascade (CC) and innate immunity emerge as important and underappreciated modulators of trafficking of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC). Accordingly, we reported that (i) C becomes activated in bone marrow (BM) during G-CSF-induced mobilization by the classical immunoglobulin (Ig)-dependent pathway, and that (ii) C3 cleavage fragments increase the responsiveness of HSPC to an stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) gradient. Furthermore, our
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Fetal liver (FL) has been described as a source of both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic stem cells. Recently we have purified from murine adult bone marrow (BM) a population of CXCR4(+)Oct-4(+)SSEA-1(+)Sca-1(+)Lin(-)CD45(-) very small... more
Fetal liver (FL) has been described as a source of both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic stem cells. Recently we have purified from murine adult bone marrow (BM) a population of CXCR4(+)Oct-4(+)SSEA-1(+)Sca-1(+)Lin(-)CD45(-) very small embryonic/epiblast-like stem cells (VSELs). By employing several complementary imaging and molecular strategies, we report in this study that VSELs, like hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), are highly enriched in murine FL during the second trimester of gestation. Subsequently, at the beginning of the third trimester of gestation their number decreases, which corresponds to the time when HSCs egress FL and follow the stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) gradient in order to colonize developing BM. Thus, our data support the hypothesis that VSELs are a mobile pool of primitive stem cells that respond to similar chemotactic gradients as HSCs and follow their developmental migratory route.
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Research Interests: Bioengineering, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacy, and 28 moreImmunology, Molecular Biology, Toxicology, Migration, Biotechnology, Cancer, Biology, Cell Cycle, Nanomedicine, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Nanotechnology, Apoptosis, Metal Nanoparticles, Signal Transduction, Caspases, Humans, Toxicity, Keratinocytes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Platinum, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Signaling pathways, Particle Size, Platinum Nanoparticles, Microbial Viability, and Cell Survival
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We reported that complement cascade (CC) becomes activated in bone marrow (BM) during granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and showed that, although third CC component... more
We reported that complement cascade (CC) becomes activated in bone marrow (BM) during granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and showed that, although third CC component (C3)-deficient mice are easy mobilizers, fifth CC component (C5)-deficient mice mobilize very poorly. To explain this, we postulated that activation/cleavage of CC releases C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins that differently regulate mobilization. Accordingly, C3a, by enhancing responsiveness of HSPCs to decreasing concentrations of stromal-derived growth factor-1 (SDF-1) in BM, prevents mobilization and promotes their BM retention. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the mobilization-enhancing role of C5a. We found that C5a receptor (C5aR) is not expressed on the surface of HSPCs, and that C5a-mediated promobilization effects are mediated by stimulation of granulocytes. Overall, our data support the following model. First C5aR(+) granulocytes are chemoattracted by plasma C5 cleavage fragments, being the first wave of cells leaving BM. This facilitates a subsequent egress of HSPCs. In the next step, after leaving BM, granulocytes undergo degranulation in response to plasma C5a and secrete some cationic peptides (cathelicidin, beta-defensin) that, as shown here for the first time, highly enhance the responsiveness of HSPCs to plasma SDF-1 gradient. In conclusion, our data reveal the underappreciated central role of innate immunity in mobilization, in which C5 cleavage fragments through granulocytes orchestrate this process.
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Research Interests: Flow Cytometry, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (I Psc), Confocal Microscopy, Stem Cell, Cell separation, and 14 moreMolecular, Mice, Animals, Bone marrow, Acute Myocardial Infarction, Embryonic Stem Cells, Myocardial Infarction, Time Factors, Biological markers, Blood cells, Control Group, Bone Marrow Cells, Hematopoietic Stem Cell, and Gene Expression Regulation
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CHAPTER 8 Analytical Capabilities of the ImageStream Cytometer Ewa K. Zuba-Surma* and Mariusz Z. Ratajczaky * Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow,... more
CHAPTER 8 Analytical Capabilities of the ImageStream Cytometer Ewa K. Zuba-Surma* and Mariusz Z. Ratajczaky * Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland yStem Cell Biology ...
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Recently, we identified in adult tissues a population of Oct4 + SSEA-1 + Sca-1 + lin - CD45 - very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). First, to address recent controversies on Oct4 expression in cells isolated from adult organs, we... more
Recently, we identified in adult tissues a population of Oct4 + SSEA-1 + Sca-1 + lin - CD45 - very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). First, to address recent controversies on Oct4 expression in cells isolated from adult organs, we show here evidence that Oct4 promoter in bone ...
Research Interests: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (I Psc), Genomic Imprinting, Leukemia, Adult Stem Cells, Stem Cell, and 13 moreRegenerative Medicine, Cell line, Mice, Female, Animals, Male, DNA methylation, Bone marrow, Chromatin, Chromatin structure, Clinical Sciences, Bone Marrow Cells, and Gene expression profiling
Recently, we identified in murine adult tissues, including bone marrow, a population of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells. Here, we provide further evidence that under steady-state conditions these cells circulate at very low... more
Recently, we identified in murine adult tissues, including bone marrow, a population of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells. Here, we provide further evidence that under steady-state conditions these cells circulate at very low levels in peripheral blood (PB)(∼ 100– ...
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Adult bone marrow-derived very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSEL-SCs) exhibit a Sca-1 + /Lin /CD45 phenotype and can differentiate into various cell types, including cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. We have previously... more
Adult bone marrow-derived very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSEL-SCs) exhibit a Sca-1 + /Lin /CD45 phenotype and can differentiate into various cell types, including cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. We have previously reported that transplantation of a small number ...
Research Interests: Cytokines, Stem Cell, Stem Cell Transplantation, Cellular, Mice, and 13 moreAnimals, Male, Bone marrow, Embryonic Stem Cells, Clinical Sciences, Myocardial Infarction, Myocardium, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cell Proliferation, Ventricular Remodeling, Left Ventricular Function, Culture Media, and Biochemistry and cell biology
Background The results from small clinical studies suggest that therapy with adult bone marrow (BM)–derived cells (BMCs) reduces infarct size and improves left ventricular function and perfusion. However, the effects of BMC... more
Background The results from small clinical studies suggest that therapy with adult bone marrow (BM)–derived cells (BMCs) reduces infarct size and improves left ventricular function and perfusion. However, the effects of BMC transplantation in patients with ischemic heart ...
Research Interests: Stem Cells, Evidence Based Medicine, Treatment Outcome, Stem Cell, Humans, and 26 moreLeft Ventricular Assist Device, Cohort Study, Heart, Bone marrow, Mesenchymal Stem Cell, Acute Myocardial Infarction, Metaanalysis, Randomised Controlled Trial, Randomized Trial, Meta Analysis, Systematic review, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Myocardial Infarction, Randomized Controlled Trial, Random-Effects Models, Clinical Study, Myocyte, Ischemic Heart Disease, Indexation, Infarct Size, Left Ventricular Function, Standard of Care, Confidence Interval, Bone Marrow Cells, Science Citation Index (SCI), and Cumulant
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Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) represent a population of extremely small nonhematopoietic pluripotent cells that are negative for lineage markers and express Sca-1 in mice and CD133 in humans. Their embryonic-like... more
Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) represent a population of extremely small nonhematopoietic pluripotent cells that are negative for lineage markers and express Sca-1 in mice and CD133 in humans. Their embryonic-like characteristics include the expression of markers of pluripotency; the ability to give rise to cellular derivatives of all three germ-layers; and the ability to form embryoid-like bodies. Indeed, quiescent VSELs may represent the remnants of epiblast-derived cells in adult organs. After tissue injury, including acute myocardial infarction (MI), bone marrow-derived VSELs are mobilized into the peripheral blood and home to the damaged organ. Given the ability of VSELs to differentiate into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, and their ability to secrete various cardioprotective growth factors/cytokines, VSELs may serve as an ideal cellular source for cardiac repair. Consistently, transplantation of VSELs after an acute MI improves left ventricular (LV) structure and function, and these benefits remain stable during long-term follow-up. Although the mechanisms remain under investigation, effects of secreted factors, regeneration of cellular constituents, and stimulation of endogenous stem/progenitors may play combinatorial roles. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the biologic features of VSELs, and to discuss their potential as cellular substrates for therapeutic cardiac repair.
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Compared with controls, G-CSF therapy increased LV ejection fraction (EF) by 1.09%, increased LV scar size by 0.22%, decreased LV end-diastolic volume by 4.26 mL, and decreased LV end-systolic volume by 2.50 mL. None of these effects were... more
Compared with controls, G-CSF therapy increased LV ejection fraction (EF) by 1.09%, increased LV scar size by 0.22%, decreased LV end-diastolic volume by 4.26 mL, and decreased LV end-systolic volume by 2.50 mL. None of these effects were statistically significant. The ...
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Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) decreases apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of intracoronary infusion of allogenic bone marrow cells (BMC) overexpressing HO-1 in the porcine model of... more
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) decreases apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of intracoronary infusion of allogenic bone marrow cells (BMC) overexpressing HO-1 in the porcine model of myocardial infarction (MI). MI was produced by balloon occlusion of a coronary artery. BMC were transduced with adenoviruses encoding for HO-1 (HO-1 BMC) or GFP (GFP-BMC) genes. Prior to reperfusion animals received HO-1 BMC, control BMC (unmodified or GFP-BMC) or placebo. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), shortening fraction (SF), end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters (EDD, ESD) were assessed by echocardiography before, 30 minutes (min) and 14 days after reperfusion. BMC significantly improved LVEF and SF early (30 min) after reperfusion as well as after 14 days. Early after reperfusion HO-1 BMC were significantly more effective than control BMC, but after 14 days, there were no differences. There were no effect of cells on LV remodelling and diastolic function. Both HO-1 BMC and control BMC significantly reduced the infarct size vs. placebo (17.2 ± 2.7 and 18.8 ± 2.5, respectively, vs. 27.5 ± 5.1, p= 0.02) in histomorphometry. HO-1-positive donor BMC were detected in the infarct border area in pigs receiving HO-1-cells. No significant differences in expression of inflammatory genes (SDF-1, TNF-α, IL-6, miR21, miR29a and miR133a) in the myocardium were found. In conclusion, intracoronary delivery of allogeneic BMC immediately prior to reperfusion improved the LVEF and reduced the infarct size. HO-1 BMC were not superior to control cells after 14 days, however, produced faster recovery of LVEF. Transplanted cells survived in the peri-infarct zone.